L322 Suspension air compressor interchangeability

My suspension air compressor has given up the ghost. With power on the compressor solenoid just buzzes for a few seconds, then stops. Removing the relay makes no difference.
I’ve ordered a relay as it’s a cheap cost item, and have Googled the compressor part number 6H42-3B484-HE. There seems to be a few ending HD or HF but wondered if they are all interchangeable, and if so, would I keep the same relay or require a compatible one to match the compressor.

Don’t know whether this is an AMK or Hitachi or another manufacturer. Do I have to replace like for like or is there an upgraded version that can be fitted.

Thanks in advance

Car is a 2010MY facelift version.

Hey there, not to sure if there is a software update when changing from one pump make to another? As or there relay, if it is a special unit with electronics in it then stick to the correct number. If it is a standard relay then it may be a different amperage.

Sounds like you have an Hitachi pump. Dont know what the different numbers mean, if any differences. I rebuilt mine.
Pic of mine attached.

If you change to an AMK then it needs some software flash done, Can be done with an IID Gap. (i believe)

If you buy a new compressor, kits i have seen some have a new relay.

J

marjon said:

Sounds like you have an Hitachi pump. Dont know what the different numbers mean, if any differences. I rebuilt mine.
Pic of mine attached.

If you change to an AMK then it needs some software flash done, Can be done with an IID Gap. (i believe)

If you buy a new compressor, kits i have seen some have a new relay.

J

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Thanks for the picture.......yes just like mine. I’ve seen the repair kits but with mine buzzing it sounds like a sticking solenoid. I’ve given it a loving tap with a hammer but no change.
I take it your rebuild was just the compressor seal kit

Cheers Darren

I’m going to wait for the replacement relay I ordered to see if it makes a difference, otherwise I’m going to go for an Hitachi compressor since it would appear to be just plug and play.

Generally what is the average life of a suspension air compressor. Not certain how many my car has had in it’s 10 year lifespan and with now 54k miles

MisterC said:

I take it your rebuild was just the compressor seal kit

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Yes just compressor and drier rebuild with a better metal drier cap.

Yours does sound like a different issue. Can you actually run the compressor with a direct feed?
If you are getting a new 1 get it complete with drier too.
Ours lasted 8 years before starting to play up.

J

MisterC said:

I’m going to wait for the replacement relay I ordered to see if it makes a difference, otherwise I’m going to go for an Hitachi compressor since it would appear to be just plug and play.

Generally what is the average life of a suspension air compressor. Not certain how many my car has had in it’s 10 year lifespan and with now 54k miles

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I have the earlier model. Compressor was changed around 100k, approx 13/14 years old. From all paper work and looking at the old one, it was original. There's no given average. The more stress and use*, the sooner it will need replacing. Keep on top of the whole system, and it'll last longer

* Don't carry short people

marjon said:

Yes just compressor and drier rebuild with a better metal drier cap.

Yours does sound like a different issue. Can you actually run the compressor with a direct feed?
If you are getting a new 1 get it complete with drier too.
Ours lasted 8 years before starting to play up.

J

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Not done anything with the compressor other than tap the solenoid. Maybe the buzzing sound is the solenoid trying to turn a seized compressor. Don’t know.
I’ve ordered a replacement Hitachi compressor off eBay and will swap out the original one, and change the solenoid.

Was tempted to just swap the solenoid first. Why do you have to change the solenoid too if it’s a direct replacement compressor?

MisterC said:

Not done anything with the compressor other than tap the solenoid. Maybe the buzzing sound is the solenoid trying to turn a seized compressor. Don’t know.
I’ve ordered a replacement Hitachi compressor off eBay and will swap out the original one, and change the solenoid.

Was tempted to just swap the solenoid first. Why do you have to change the solenoid too if it’s a direct replacement compressor?

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I dont think you need to replace the relay its just they do put a new 1 in kits i have seen, guess its just a belt and braces thing and after all is not expensive item.

Have you got the drier with the compressor? if not then either get a kit to change out the desiccant & filters, or get a complete drier.

J

Swapped out the compressor today along with a relay and now all good.

Have you had a chance to look at old compressor?

J

I’ve not pulled it apart since it is an exchange item, so I’m sending it to the seller.

marjon said:

Have you had a chance to look at old compressor?

J

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The motor had burned out. Whether this was original fit 10 years ago or had been running continuously because of an underlying fault. I don’t know. Time will tell